I'm a current Senior with a bit lower than a 3.6 and will likely graduate with close to a 3.7 at a t-20 research university (although I know that really doesn't have much pull). I just took the LSAT yesterday and did so-so...probably around 168 or so. I'm hoping for 170+, but I found out that the LG that I went 23/23 on was the experimental and the real one that followed did not grant me the same success -- I didn't tank it, but I definitely missed a question or three.

Originally, I was planning on doing this cycle no questions asked, but depending on my score I may retake. Anything below 168 I'm retaking and I'm not sure what I'll do if I get 168 or 169; it just depends on if I feel up to another go-around at the LSAT. Everyone keeps talking about how this cycle will be particularly advantageous to the applicants. Will this be the same for next year as well?

I've been considering applying for grants to study in Italy for the next year so that --if in fact I retake in December -- I won't have to forgo the benefits of ED/EA/simply applying early, plus I'll be polishing my Italian and my resume, and I'll also hopefully be able to bump my GPA up from its current state.

I know that the LSAT's good for 5 years, but what about LOR? Are these good only for this year, or can I push them to next year as well?

I was in almost your same position about four years ago. I was mentally and emotionally unprepared for law school, although I made my decision not based on that but on being interested in a different graduate path. I also ended up going abroad for two years, and I think that was an amazing experience that you should jump at if you have such an opportunity. You will never have a chance again in your life until you retire to do that (unless your job takes you overseas).

Four years later I finally understand and appreciate the gravity of the decision to apply and attend law school and if I had attended school in 2008, I'd be graduating from a lower T14 or T25 saddled in about $250k debt with questionable job prospects and no rea-world experience.

You should very strongly consider applying for grants to study in Italy if you have that option. Also, look into fulbrights (some of which are not nearly as difficult to get as some make them out to be). Not only will these tangibly benefit your law school prospects (when weighed against someone with your same numbers), but it will help you to get out in the world and actually grow up.

This thread is relevant to me. I just underperformed on the LSAT as well. As a Biochemistry major who has research experience, I am considering working as a research scientist in an academic lab for a year while I figure out if law school is really right for me and study for the LSAT more. I feel like I am rushing things.